John William Chambers' Obituary
John Chambers, a devout Catholic, passed away in Frisco, Texas on January 26, 2025. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents William and Vivian Chambers. First and foremost a father and grandfather, who dedicated his life to caring for his daughter and grandchildren, he is survived by his daughter, Alicia Chambers Vaughn, his grandson Ethan Vaughn, and his granddaughter Abigail Vaughn. He is also survived by his younger brothers, Ron Chambers (Karen), Paul Chambers, Mark Chambers (Mahi), and his nephew Justin Chambers.
John was born in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up two blocks from St. Louis Church and School, which became the center of his childhood. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis with the influence of the Brothers staying with him his entire life. He was a man of great faith. He graduated from Memphis State University with both Undergraduate and Masters Degrees.
John’s career led him to various cities over the years, including Memphis, Nashville, Baton Rouge, and Columbia, South Carolina where he worked the last 25 years of his career as Director of Educational Services at NETA headquarters in support of public broadcasting. He retired to Frisco, Texas. John said the best thing about retirement is that every day is Saturday and the luxury of daily mass attendance.
John chose to spend his retirement moving across the country and just down the street from his daughter, Alicia, to be just as involved in his grandchildren’s lives as he was in hers growing up. He was a godsend to her… being a chauffeur for after school activities, for toddlers alone, is
quite the feat! He was there for every school event, sporting event, birthday and holiday, illness, and doctor visit - the good, the bad, and the ugly. The list goes on, but we know for a fact his daughter and grandchildren were the light of his life. He made sure that they were loved and taken care of in any way he possibly could, not just by words, but by actions. He will be greatly missed!
John always had a humanitarian spirit and gave back to the community by being an Extraordinary Minister, Lector, and Sunday School teacher at church and coaching various little league sports. John cherished all family events and celebrations. His favorite hobbies were reading, watching sports of his two favorite teams, University of Memphis and St. Louis Cardinals, and most importantly, gardening. He loved planting flowers, but more important was his large vegetable garden. His father taught him how to grow the best corn, tomatoes, and many other vegetables. He was a sharp dresser who lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He always preached, treat others how you, yourself would like to be treated. He was a selfless man who would give the shirt off his back to help another in need.
Special thanks to the caregivers and all those who have kept John in their thoughts and prayers.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 9:00am until the time of Mass at 10:00am at St. Louis Catholic Church, 203 S. White Station, Memphis, TN. The burial will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Please remember John and his family in your prayers.
Memorials may be sent to St. Louis Catholic Church – Memphis or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – Frisco, Texas, in lieu of flowers.
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